Air conditioning register

ABSTRACT

A downstream side fin group is formed by a plurality of fins. Among these fins, end fins positioned at both ends in an arranging direction are arranged near second wall portions. Each end fin has an extension portion which is bent at upstream end thereof and extends toward the corresponding second wall portion. A space is provided near each second wall portion in the ventilation passage. Each space is closed by the corresponding extension portion at a time when the corresponding end fin is arranged at a maximum inclined position at which the end fin is most away from the second wall portion, and the extension portion enters the space at a time when the end fin is arranged at a different position from the maximum inclined position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air conditioning register that isused as an air outlet in an air conditioner, and regulates a directionof the air blown into a compartment.

In a vehicle such as a motor vehicle or the like, in order to display anoperation of a device such as a navigation system, and a state of thedevice, there is a case that a display device is installed in a centercluster of an instrument panel. In recent years, in order to improve thevisibility, the sizes of display portions (screens) of display deviceshave been enlarged. In the case that the display portion is arranged ina lower portion of the center cluster, the line of sight of the driveris shifted by a great distance when the driver shifts the line of sightfrom the windshield to the display portion. From this point of view, itis preferable that the display portion is arranged in an upper portionof the center cluster. For these reasons, a display portion 102 havingan enlarged size is arranged in an upper portion of a center cluster 101as shown by a solid line in FIG. 12, in recent years. A two-dot chainline in FIG. 12 shows the display portion 102 before being enlarged insize.

An air conditioning register 103 is arranged as an air outlet in an airconditioner in addition to the display portion 102, in an upper portionof the center cluster 101. Accordingly, since the display portion 102occupies a large part in the upper portion of the center cluster 101, aplace in which the air conditioning register 103 is arranged is limited.Therefore, in conventional, the air conditioning register 103 isarranged in both side portions of the display portion 102, as shown inFIG. 12.

However, since the air blowing from the air conditioning register 103 isdirectly applied to an arm of the driver gripping a steering wheel 104in a layout of the air conditioning register 103 as mentioned above,there is a case that the driver feels bothered. Further, since the airblowing from the air conditioning register 103 is blocked by the arm ofthe driver, the air does not circulate within a passenger compartment.Accordingly, it is preferable that the air conditioning register 103 bearranged immediately above the display portion 102 in place of both sideportions of the display portion 102.

However, if the conventional air conditioning register 103 is arrangedimmediately above the display portion 102 without any changes, theheight of an instrument panel 100 including the center cluster 101 isincreased in accordance with the arrangement. As a result, since an openfeeling within the passenger compartment cannot be obtained, there is acase that an occupant feels oppressed and a confined. Accordingly, inorder to suppress the height of the instrument panel 100, an airconditioning register 103 having a small vertical dimension have beeninstalled above the display portion 102.

For example, Japanese Patent No. 3572480 discloses, as shown in FIG. 13,an air conditioning register 103 provided with a retainer 105, a fingroup and a fin angle setting mechanism 114. The retainer 105 isconstituted by a tubular body. A ventilation passage 106 is provided inan inner portion of the retainer 105. An air outlet 107 formed in a widerectangular shape is provided in a downstream end of the retainer 105.In the retainer 105, a pair of side walls corresponding to a short sideA of the air outlet 107 among four wall portions surrounding theventilation passage 106 form a first wall portion 108, and an upper walland a lower wall corresponding to a long side B form a second wallportion 109.

The fin group is constituted by three fins 111, 112 and 113 extendingalong the long side B of the air outlet within the retainer 105. Thefins 111 to 113 are arranged along the short side A of the air outletand spaced away from each other. Each of the fins 111 to 113 issupported at both ends so as to be tiltable with respect to the firstwall portion 108.

Each of the fins 111 and 113 positioned in both ends in the arrangingdirection of a plurality of fins constituting the fin group is arrangedso as to come close to the second wall portion 109. Each of the fins 111and 113 is constituted by two members arranged along the ventilationpassage 106. In other words, the fin 111 is constituted by an upstreampiece 111 a and a downstream piece 111 b, and the fin 113 is constitutedby an upstream piece 113 a and a downstream piece 113 b.

The fin angle setting mechanism 114 sets an angle, that is, aninclination of each of the upstream pieces 111 a and 113 a and thedownstream pieces 111 b and 113 b of each of the fins 111 and 113. Thefin angle setting mechanism 114 holds the downstream piece 111 b (113 b)of the fin 111 (113) positioned in a tilting direction of the fin 112 ina direction parallel to the second wall portion 109, and tilts theupstream piece 111 a (113 a) in the same direction as the fin 112 insynchronous with the tilting motion of the fin 112, at a time when thefin 112 is tilted. Further, the fin angle setting mechanism 114 tiltsthe downstream piece 113 b (111 b) of the fin 113 (111) positioned in anopposite side to the tilting direction of the fin 112 in the samedirection as the fin 112 in synchronous with the tilting motion of thefin 112, and holds the upstream piece 113 a (111 a) in a directionparallel to the second wall portion 109.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, in the case that the fin 112 is tiltedso as to be higher toward a downstream end, the fin angle settingmechanism 114 holds the downstream piece 111 b of the fin 111 in adirection parallel to the second wall portion 109, and tilts theupstream piece 111 a in the same direction as the fin 112. Further, thefin angle setting mechanism 114 tilts the downstream piece 113 b of thefin 113 in the same direction as the fin 112, and holds the upstreampiece 113 a in the direction parallel to the second wall portion 109.

In accordance with the air conditioning register 103 described inJapanese Patent No. 3572480, it is possible to resolve a problemgenerated in the case of simply making the air conditioning registerthin, that is, a problem that an interval between the fins 111 to 113becomes narrow and it is hard to secure an air flow passage. However, aslong as the air conditioning register 103 described in Japanese PatentNo. 3572480 employs the structure mentioned above as the fin anglesetting mechanism 114, the upstream piece 111 a (113 a) of the fin 111(113) positioned in the tilting direction of the intermediate fin 112 istilted in the same direction as the fin 112 in synchronous with thetilting motion of the fin 112. In accordance with the tilting motion, aspace 115 in which the height is enlarged toward an upstream end isformed between the second wall portion 109 and the upstream piece 111 a(113 a), as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 14. Since the space115 forms an air drift, the air enters the space 115 so as to form eddycurrents. As a result, there is a risk that a noise is generated.Further, there is a risk that a pressure loss is enlarged at a degreethat the air flows into the space 115.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioningregister which suppresses the generation of noise and an increase of apressure loss, and achieves a thin structure.

To achieve the foregoing objective and in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention, an air conditioning register for regulating adirection of an air blown from an air conditioner into a passengercompartment of a vehicle is provided. The register includes a tubularretainer, a ventilation passage, and a rectangular opening. Theventilation passage is provided within the retainer and circulates theair. The rectangular opening is provided in a downstream end of theretainer for blowing off the air. The retainer is constituted by fourwall portions surrounding the ventilation passage. Two of the wallportions that correspond to short sides of the opening form first wallportions, and the other two wall portions that correspond to long sidesof the opening form second wall portions. At least three plate-like finsare provided within the retainer and extend along the long sides of theopening. The fins are arranged along the short sides of the opening andaway from each other. A plurality of support shafts are each provided inone of the fins. Each support shaft supports the corresponding fin so asto be tiltable with respect to the first wall portion. Each of the endfins positioned in both ends in an arranging direction of the pluralityof fins is arranged near the second wall portion. Each of the fins hasan extension portion which is bent at an upstream end thereof, andextends toward the corresponding second wall portion. A space isprovided near each second wall portion in the ventilation passage. Thespace is closed by the corresponding extension portion when thecorresponding end fin is arranged at a maximum inclined position atwhich the end fin is most separated from the second wall portion. Theextension portion enters the space when the end fin is arranged at aposition different from the maximum inclined position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial front elevational view showing a center cluster inwhich an air conditioning register in accordance with a first embodimentof the present invention is incorporated, and a peripheral structure ofthe same;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view showing the airconditioning register;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a state in which a cover isdetached from the air conditioning register;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view showing a state beforeattaching an end fin and an intermediate fin to a retainer;

FIG. 6 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the airconditioning register at a time of operating an operation knob upward;

FIG. 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the airconditioning register at a time of operating the operation knobdownward;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an air conditioning register inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view showing a state in which a cover isdetached from the air conditioning register;

FIG. 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the airconditioning register at a time of operating a movable operation knobupward;

FIG. 11 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing the airconditioning register at a time of operating the movable operation knobdownward;

FIG. 12 is a partial front elevational view showing a center cluster inwhich a conventional air conditioning register is incorporated and aperipheral structure of the same;

FIG. 13 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing an internalstructure of the conventional air conditioning register; and

FIG. 14 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing an airconditioning register at a time of tilting an intermediate fin so as tobecome higher toward a downstream end thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

A description will be given of a first embodiment obtained by embodyingthe present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, within a passenger compartment, an instrument panel11 is provided in front of a driver's seat and a front passenger seat.In the instrument panel 11, a center cluster 12 is provided in a centerin a vehicle width direction. A display portion 13 of a display devicein a navigation system is attached to an upper portion of the centercluster 12. The display portion 13 is positioned in a left front side ofa handle of a steering apparatus, that is, a steering wheel 14.

A pair of air conditioning registers 15 are incorporated immediatelyabove the display portion 13 in an upper portion of the center cluster12, in a state of being arranged in the vehicle width direction. The airconditioning register 15 regulates a direction of an air blown into thepassenger compartment from the air conditioner, and shuts off the blowof the air.

Both the air conditioning registers 15 are arranged at the positionsmentioned above because the following problems are generated in the casethat they are arranged in both side portions of the display portion 13.(i) Since the air blown from the right air conditioning register isdirectly applied to an arm of a driver gripping the steering wheel 14,the driver feels a botheration. (ii) Since the air flow is prevented bythe arm of the driver, the air blowoff from the air conditioningregister is hard to be circulated within the passenger compartment.

Accordingly, in order to suppress the height of the instrument panel 11including the center cluster 12, in more detail, in order to inhibit theheight of the instrument panel 11 from being increased in accordancewith the incorporation of the air conditioning register 15, the thintype air conditioning register 15 having a low height is used.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the air conditioning registers 15 includes aretainer 20, a downstream side fin group 40, an upstream side fin group50, a damper 60, and a cover 70.

<Retainer 20>

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the retainer 20 is structured such as toconnect a ventilation duct (not shown) of the air conditioner, and anopening 12 a provided in the center cluster 12. The retainer 20 isprovided with an upstream side member 21 and a downstream side member22. Each of the upstream side member 21 and the downstream side member22 is constituted by an approximately square tubular body provided withan opening in both ends. The retainer 20 provided with a ventilationpassage 23 in an inner portion is formed by arranging the upstream sidemember 21 and the downstream side member 22 in series so as to couplewith each other.

An upstream side opening 21 a in the upstream side member 21 is anintroduction port of the air fed out from the ventilation duct, and hasthe same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the ventilation passage 23within the retainer 20.

In contrast, a downstream side opening 22 a in the downstream sidemember 22 has a smaller height than a horizontal cross-sectional surfaceof the ventilation passage 23. Plate-like portions 24 and 25 arerespectively formed in an upper portion and a lower portion in adownstream end of the downstream side member 22. The plate-like portion24 in the upper side is inclined in such a manner as to be away from thedriver's seat and the assistant driver's seat to a front side toward anupper side. The plate-like portion 25 in the lower side extends along anapproximately vertical direction. The opening 22 a is provided in aportion sandwiched by the plate-like portions 24 and 25.

The ventilation passage 23 is surrounded by four wall portions formingthe retainer 20. In order to differentiate these four wall portions, thewall portions corresponding to a short side A of the opening 22 a inFIG. 2 are referred to as first wall portions 26 and 27, and the wallportions corresponding to a long side B of the opening 22 a are referredto as second wall portions 28 and 29. In a first embodiment in which ahorizontal cross section of the ventilation passage 23 is formed in awide rectangular shape, two wall portions opposing each other along thevehicle width direction are the first wall portions 26 and 27, and twowall portions opposing each other along the vertical direction are thesecond wall portions 28 and 29.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in a downstream end edge 30 of both the firstwall portions 26 and 27, a portion corresponding to the opening 22 a isinclined in such a manner as to be away from the driver's seat and theassistant driver's seat to a front side toward an upper side. In each ofthe first wall portions 26 and 27, three bearing recesses 31 areprovided in the inclined downstream end edge 30 so as to be spaced at auniform interval along a vertical direction.

A plurality of bearing portions 32 are provided in a coupling portionbetween the upstream side member 21 and an upper end of the downstreamside member 22 so as to be spaced at a uniform interval along the longside B of the opening 22 a. In correspondence to this, a bearing portion33 constituted by the same number of round holes as the bearing portion32 is placed in the second wall portion 29 of the downstream side member22 at a uniform interval along the long side B of the opening 22 a.

<Downstream Side Fin Group 40>

The downstream side fin group 40 is provided near the opening 22 a ofthe downstream side member 22. The downstream side fin group 40 isconstituted by three elongated downstream side fins extending along thelong side B of the opening 22 a. Each of the downstream side fins isformed in a flat elongated plate shape having a predetermined width.Each of the downstream side fins is arranged along the short side A ofthe opening 22 a, in a state of being away from each other. The numberof the downstream side fins is set to three, because an air flow passageis secured by making the interval between the downstream side fins aslarge as possible, even in the ventilation passage 23 having the smallheight.

In this case, in order to differentiate three downstream side fins, thefins positioned at both ends in an arranging direction of a plurality offins, that is, an upper end and a lower end of the downstream side fingroup are referred to as end fins 41 and 42, and the fin positioned inthe center of the downstream side fin group is referred to as anintermediate fin 43. The end fin 41 is arranged near the second wallportion 28, and the end fin 42 is arranged near the second wall portion29. The intermediate fin 43 is arranged in the middle between the endfins 41 and 42. An operation knob 44 having a larger thickness than theintermediate fin 43 is integrally formed in an intermediate portion ofthe intermediate fin 43 (refer to FIG. 2).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the end fins 41 and 42 and theintermediate fin 43 has a support shaft 45 in a downstream end of theventilation passage 23 in both end surfaces thereof. The support shafts45 are rotatably engaged with the bearing recess 31 mentioned above.Accordingly, each of the end fins 41 and 42 and the intermediate fin 43is tiltable along the short side A of the opening 22 a, that is, along avertical direction, around the support shafts 45.

In the end fins 41 and 42 and the intermediate fin 43, at least onesupport shaft 45 protrudes further outward than the corresponding firstwall portion 26. An arm 46 is integrally formed in each of the endportions of the protruding support shafts 45. Each of the arms 46extends to an upstream side starting from the support shaft 45, and hasa coupling protrusion 47 in the extending end portion.

Each of the arms 46 is coupled by a coupling rod 48 formed in a flat rodshape. A plurality of holes 49 are provided in the coupling rod 48 atsuch an interval that the end fins 41 and 42 and the intermediate fin 43are arranged. The coupling protrusion 47 of each of the arms 46 isrotatably engaged with each of the holes 49.

<Upstream Side Fin Group 50>

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upstream side fin group 50 is provided inan upstream side of the downstream side fin group 40 within the retainer20. The upstream side fin group 50 is constituted by a plurality ofupstream side fins 51 extending along the short side A of the opening 22a. These upstream side fins 51 are arranged along the long side B of theopening 22 a in a state of being away from each other in parallel. Eachof the upstream side fins 51 is constituted by a thin plate formed in anapproximately parallelogram shape, and is inclined so as to be away fromthe driver's seat and the assistant driver's seat to a front side towardan upper end (refer to FIG. 3).

Support shafts 52 and 53 are provided in both end surfaces of each ofthe upstream side fins 51 in a state of being inclined. The uppersupport shaft 52 is rotatably engaged with the bearing portion 32, andthe lower support shaft 53 is rotatably engaged with the bearing portion33. Accordingly, each of the upstream side fins 51 is tiltable along thelong side B of the opening 22 a, that is, the vehicle width directionaround each of the support shafts 52 and 53.

In each of the upstream side fins 51, the support shaft 52 provided inthe upper end thereof protrudes further upward than the correspondingupper second wall portion 28. An arm 54 is formed in an end portion ofeach of the support shafts 52. Each of the arms 54 extends to adownstream side starting from each of the support shafts 52, and has acoupling protrusion 55 in the extending end portion thereof.

Each of the arms 54 is coupled by a coupling rod 56 formed in a flat rodshape. A plurality of holes 57 are provided in the coupling rod 56 atsuch an interval that the upstream side fins 51 are arranged. Thecoupling protrusion 55 of each of the arms 54 is rotatably engaged witheach of the holes 57.

<Damper 60>

The damper 60 is provided for opening and closing the ventilationpassage 23, and is arranged in an upstream side of the upstream side fingroup 50 within the retainer 20. The damper 60 is provided with a damperplate 61 having an approximately rectangular shaped plane, and anannular seal member 62 installed to an outer periphery edge of thedamper plate 61.

A support shaft 63 is provided in each of both side portions of thedamper plate 61. The damper plate 61 is supported to the first wallportions 26 and 27 via each of the support shafts 63. The damper plate61 is rotatable between a position (a position shown by a solid line inFIG. 3) which is parallel to the second wall portions 28 and 29, and aninclined position (a position shown by a solid line in FIG. 3) bringingthe seal member 62 into contact with the second wall portions 28 and 29.

<Cover 70>

The cover 70 constructs an ornamental surface of the air conditioningregister 15. The cover 70 has an opening 71 which is smaller than theopening 22 a in the downstream side of the retainer 20. The opening 71constructs an air outlet of the air conditioning register 15. In thefirst embodiment, the height H of the opening 71 (the air outlet) is setto 30 mm, and a width W thereof is set to 120 mm.

As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the cover 70 is providedwith a locking portion 72 protruding to an upstream side. The lockingportion 72 locks the support shaft 45 engaged with the bearing recess 31so as to be prevented from falling off as well as closing the bearingrecess 31 of each of the first wall portions 26 and 27. The cover 70 isprovided with an attaching portion (not shown). The cover 70 isinstalled to the retainer 20 from the downstream side, in the attachingportion.

The air conditioning register 15 is provided with an upstream side finoperation portion for tilting any one of the upstream side fins 51 inthe upstream side fin group 50, and a damper operation portion forrotating the damper 60, which are not illustrated.

In the air conditioning register having the structure mentioned above,the damper 60 is rotated around the support shaft 63 as shown in FIG. 3by operating the damper operation portion. In the case that the damper60 is rotated so as to be arranged in parallel to the second wallportions 28 and 29, the ventilation passage 23 is fully opened. In thecase that the damper 60 is rotated so as to be arranged in a state ofbringing the seal member 62 into contact with the second wall portions28 and 29, the ventilation passage 23 is closed, and the distribution ofthe air is shut off.

Further, if the upstream side fin operating portion is operated, and anyone upstream side fin 51 in the upstream side fin group 50 is tiltedalong the long side B of the opening 22 a around the support shafts 52and 53, the motion is transmitted to all the other upstream side fins 51via the coupling protrusion 55, the arm 54 and the coupling rod 56.Accordingly, all the upstream side fins 51 are synchronously tilted. Theair flows along the tilted upstream side fin 51 at a time of passingthrough the upstream side fin group 50, and is changed its direction soas to be blown into the passenger compartment from the opening 71.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, if the operation knob 44 is gripped and isdisplaced along the short side A of the opening 22 a, the intermediatefin 43 is tilted in the same direction as the operation knob 44 aroundthe support shaft 45 in both ends thereof. The motion of theintermediate fin 43 is transmitted to the end fins 41 and 42 via thecoupling protrusion 47, the arm 46 and the coupling rod 48. Inaccordance with this transmission, the intermediate fin 43 and the endfins 41 and 42 are synchronously tilted. The air flows along the tiltedintermediate fin 43 and the end fins 41 and 42 at a time of passingthrough the downstream side fin group 40, and is changed its directionso as to be blown from the opening 71.

Next, a description will be given of a feature portion of the firstembodiment. The feature portion is roughly constituted by the followingthree items (a) to (c).

(a) Each of the end fins 41 and 42 positioned at the upper end and thelower end of the downstream side fin group 40 are respectively arrangednear the second wall portions 28 and 29. In more detail, as shown inFIG. 5, three bearing recesses 31 are provided in the downstream endedge 30 of each of the first wall portions 26 and 27, as mentionedabove. Further, the bearing recess 31 positioned at a highest portion isprovided so as to come close to the upper plate-like portion 24, and thebearing recess 31 positioned at the lowest portion is provided so as tocome close to the plate-like portion 25. Further, the support shaft 45of the end fin 41 is engaged with the bearing recess 31 in a higheststage, and the support shaft 45 of the end fin 42 is engaged with thebearing recess 31 in the lowest stage.

(b) As shown in FIG. 3, the end fin 41 is integrally provided with anextension portion 41 b which is bent in the upstream end and furtherextends toward the second wall portion 28. In the same manner, the endfin 42 is integrally provided with an extension portion 42 b which isbent in the upstream end and further extends toward the second wallportion 29. In each of the end fins 41 and 42, in order to differentiatethe extension portions 41 b and 42 b from the other flat plate portions,the latter portions are respectively referred to as main body portions41 a and 42 a. Each of the extension portions 41 b and 42 b extendsalong the long side B of the opening 22 a, and is formed over a wholelength of each of the end fins 41 and 42. Each of the extension portions41 b and 42 b is bent in a connection portion to each of the main bodyportions 41 a and 42 a, and is bent in such a manner as to protrude anintermediate portion of each of the extension portions 41 b and 42 b toan upstream side.

(c) A space 34 is provided near the second wall portion 28 in theventilation passage 23. The space 34 is closed by the extension portion41 b at a time when the end fin 41 is tilted most largely downward inwhich the end fin 41 is separated from the second wall portion 28, thatis, at a time when the end fin 41 is arranged at a most inclinedposition at which the end fin 41 is separated from the second wallportion 28 to the maximum (refer to FIG. 6). Further, when the end fin41 is tilted at a “different inclination” from the inclination mentionedabove, that is, when the end fin 41 is arranged at a different positionfrom the maximum inclined position, the extension portion 41 b of theend fin 41 enters the space 34. The “different inclination” includes ainclination at a time when the main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41becomes in parallel to the second wall portion 28 (refer to FIG. 3), andan inclination at a time when the main body portion 41 a is tiltedupward in such a manner as to come close to the second wall portion 28(refer to FIG. 7). In order to form the space 34, in the firstembodiment, a bulge portion 75 bulging upward corresponding to an outerside of the ventilation passage 23 than the other portions is providedin the downstream end of the second wall portion 28. In other words, aninternal space of the bulge portion 75 corresponds to the space 34.

In the same manner, a space 35 is provided near the second wall portion29 in the ventilation passage 23. The space 35 is closed by theextension portion 42 b at a time when the end fin 42 is tilted mostlargely upward in which the end fin 42 is separated from the second wallportion 29, that is, at a time when the end fin 42 is arranged at a mostinclined position at which the end fin 42 is separated from the secondwall portion 29 to the maximum (refer to FIG. 7). Further, when the endfin 42 is tilted at a “different inclination” from the inclinationmentioned above, that is, when the end fin 42 is arranged at a differentposition from the maximum inclined position, the extension portion 42 bof the end fin 42 enters the space 35. The “different inclination”includes a inclination at a time when the main body portion 42 a of theend fin 42 becomes in parallel to the second wall portion 29 (refer toFIG. 3), and an inclination at a time when the main body portion 42 a istilted downward in such a manner as to come close to the second wallportion 29 (refer to FIG. 6). In order to form the space 35, in thefirst embodiment, a bulge portion 76 bulging downward corresponding toan outer side of the ventilation passage 23 than the other portions isprovided in the downstream end of the second wall portion 29. Aninternal space of the bulge portion 76 corresponds to the space 35.

Next, a description will be given of an operation of the airconditioning register 15 in accordance with the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a state in which the intermediate fin 43 is arrangedin parallel to the second wall portions 28 and 29 by operating theoperation knob 44. The air flowing through the intermediate portion inthe height direction in the ventilation passage 23 flows along theintermediate fin 43, and is blown off straight from the opening 71.

The main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the upper portion of the extensionportion 41 b has entered the space 34, and is close to an inner wallsurface of the bulge portion 75. Accordingly, the air flowing throughthe upper portion of the ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonallydownward by the extension portion 41 b while hardly flowing into thespace 34, thereafter flows along the main body portion 41 a, and isblown off straight from the opening 71.

The main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. The lower portion of the extension portion 42 b hasentered the space 35, and is close to an inner wall surface of the bulgeportion 76. Accordingly, the air flowing through the lower portion ofthe ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonally upward by theextension portion 42 b while hardly flowing into the space 35,thereafter flows along the main body portion 42 a, and is blown offstraight from the opening 71.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the intermediate fin 43 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction around the support shaft 45 by pushing up theoperation knob 44. In this state, the intermediate fin 43 is tilted insuch a manner as to become higher toward the downstream end, that is,such that the downstream end comes to the upper side. Accordingly, theair flowing through the intermediate portion in the height direction inthe ventilation passage 23 flows along the intermediate fin 43, and isblown off diagonally upward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the upper end portion of theextension portion 41 b is positioned in a boundary portion between thespace 34 and the ventilation passage 23, and the space 34 is closed bythe extension portion 41 b. Accordingly, the air flowing through theupper portion of the ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonallydownward by the extension portion 41 b while hardly flowing into thespace 34, thereafter flows along the main body portion 41 a, and isblown off diagonally upward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the lower end portion of theextension portion 42 b has gotten deep into the space 35. Accordingly,the air flowing through the lower portion of the ventilation passage 23flows along the extension portion 42 b and the main body portion 42 awhile hardly flowing into the space 35, and is blown off diagonallyupward from the opening 71.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the intermediate fin 43 is rotated in aclockwise direction around the support shaft 45 by pushing down theoperation knob 44. In this state, the intermediate fin 43 is tilted insuch a manner as to become lower toward the downstream end, that is,such that the downstream end comes to the lower side. Accordingly, theair flowing through the intermediate portion in the height direction inthe ventilation passage 23 flows along the intermediate fin 43, and isblown off diagonally downward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the upper end portion of theextension portion 41 b has gotten deep into the space 34. Accordingly,the air flowing through the lower portion of the ventilation passage 23flows along the main body portion 41 a while hardly flowing into thespace 34, and is blown off diagonally downward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the lower end portion of theextension portion 42 b is positioned in a boundary portion between thespace 35 and the ventilation passage 23, and the space 35 is closed bythe extension portion 42 b. Accordingly, the air flowing through thelower portion of the ventilation passage 23 flows along the extensionportion 42 b and the main body portion 42 a while hardly flowing intothe space 35, and is blown off diagonally downward from the opening 71.

In the case that the support shaft 45 is provided at the differentposition from the downstream ends of the intermediate fin 43 and the endfins 41 and 42 at a time of the tilting motion mentioned above, thesection downstream of the support shaft 45 is displaced at a time oftilting the intermediate fin 43 and the end fins 41 and 42. Accordingly,an outer appearance is not good. However, in the first embodiment, thesupport shaft 45 is provided in the downstream ends of the intermediatefin 43 and the end fins 41 and 42. Accordingly, even if the intermediatefin 43 and the end fins 41 and 42 are tilted, the downstream sideportion does not displace than the support shaft 45.

In accordance with the first embodiment in detail mentioned above, thefollowing advantages can be obtained.

(1) The end fins 41 and 42 positioned at the upper end and the lower endof the downstream side fin group 40 are arranged near the second wallportions 28 and 29. Accordingly, even in the thin type retainer 20 inwhich the size in the arranging direction of the downstream side fins issmall, it is possible to enlarge the interval between the adjacentdownstream side fins in comparison with the case that the end fins 41and 42 are arranged so as to be away from the second wall portions 28and 29. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure the flow passage ofthe air between the downstream side fins.

Particularly, in the first embodiment, the downstream side fin group 40is constructed by a pair of end fins 41 and 42, and one intermediate fin43 arranged therebetween. In other words, it is possible to efficientlyenlarge the interval between the adjacent downstream side fins bysetting the number of the fins to three corresponding to the minimumnumber.

(2) It is possible to suppress the height of the instrument panel 11including the center cluster 12 by incorporating the thin type airconditioning register 15 as mentioned in the item (1) (refer to thesolid line in FIG. 1). Accordingly, it is possible to resolve theproblem caused by the instrument panel 11 (the center cluster 12)becoming higher as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, and thedriver does not feel oppressed or any confined. Further, since theopening 71 for blowing off the air is arranged in the upper portion ofthe display portion 13 of the display device, it is possible to inhibitthe air from directly coming into contact with the arm of the driver.

(3) Normally, the air flowing through the ventilation passage is blownfrom the opening after passing through the flow passage between theadjacent fins. The direction in which the air flows is determined by thefins at the time of passing the flow passage. In the case that the finsare parallel to the second wall portion, the air flows between theadjacent fins along the direction which is parallel to the second wallportion. In other words, the air flows between the adjacent fins whilemaintaining the direction in the upstream side of the fin group, and isblown off straight from the opening. In contrast, if the fins are tiltedand are arranged diagonally with respect to the second wall portion, thedirection in which the air flows is changed in the process of flowingbetween the adjacent fins. As mentioned above, the air is blown in thedirection changed by the fins from the opening.

In the case that the whole of the end fin is formed in the flat plateshape, the space is generated between the end fin and the second wallportion at a time when the end fin is tilted in such a manner as to moveaway from the second wall portion, and the air flows into the space,whereby the noise is generated, or the pressure loss is increased.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the end fins 41 and 42 arerespectively provided with the extension portions 41 b and 42 b whichare bent at the upstream ends of the main body portions 41 a and 42 athereof and extend toward the second wall portions 28 and 29. Inaddition, the spaces 34 and 35 are respectively provided near the secondwall portions 28 and 29 in the ventilation passage 23. In the case thatthe respective end fins 41 and 42 are arranged at the maximum inclinedpositions which are most away from the second wall portions 28 and 29,the respective spaces 34 and 35 are closed by the extension portions 41b and 42 b of the respective end fins 41 and 42. Further, in the casethat the respective end fins 41 and 42 are arranged at the differentposition from the maximum inclined position, the extension portions 41 band 42 b of the respective fins 41 and 42 enter the spaces 34 and 35.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a space from being create betweenthe respective end fins 41 and 42, and the respective second wallportions 28 and 29, in the case that the main body portions 41 a and 42a of the end fins 41 and 42 arranged in parallel to the second wallportions 28 and 29 are respectively tilted in the directions away fromthe respective second wall portions 28 and 29. Accordingly, it ispossible to inhibit the noise caused by the space from being generated,and inhibit the pressure loss from being increased.

It is possible to avoid the contact between the extension portions 41 band 42 b of the respective fins 41 and 42 and the respective second wallportions 28 and 29, by the spaces 34 and 35 as mentioned above, at atime when the main body portions 41 a and 42 a of the respective endfins 41 and 42 are tilted toward the respective second wall portions 28and 29.

(4) In the conventional air conditioning register 103, as shown in FIG.14, the downstream piece 111 b (113 b) of the fin 111 (113) positionedin the tilting direction of the fin 112 is held in the direction whichis parallel to the ventilation passage 106. Accordingly, the air flowingnear the fin 111 (113) is blown off straight from the air outlet 107. Inthe case that the passenger tilts the intermediate fin 112 in such amanner as to become higher toward the downstream end, for example, asshown in FIG. 14, in order to change the blowing off direction of theair, the wind is blown from the upper portion of the air outlet 107 ofthe air conditioning register 103, in the different direction from thedirection in which the fin 112 is inclined. In contrast, the samephenomenon is generated even in the case of tilting in such a mannerthat the downstream end of the fin 112 is directed to the lower side.

In this regard, the respective end fins 41 and 42 are provided with theflat plate shaped main body portions 41 a and 42 a in the downstreamside thereof, in the first embodiment. Further, the main body portions41 a and 42 a of the respective end fins 41 and 42 are arranged so as tobe always in parallel to the intermediate fin 43 by the coupling rod 56and the link mechanism regardless of the angle of inclination of theintermediate fin 43. Accordingly, it is possible to blow off the airflowing through the upper portion and the lower portion of theventilation passage 23 in the same direction as the air flowing throughthe intermediate portion in the height direction of the ventilationpassage 23.

(5) Each of the end fins 41 and 42 and the intermediate fin 43 arerespectively supported so as to be tiltable with respect to the firstwall portions 26 and 27 via the support shaft 45 provided in thedownstream end. In this case, in each of the end fins 41 and 42 and theintermediate fin 43, since the section downstream of support shaft 45 isnot displaced even if they are tilted, it is possible to improve anouter appearance.

(6) The cover 70 having the opening 71 smaller than the opening 22 a ofthe retainer 20 is installed to the retainer 20 from the downstream sidethereof. In this case, it is possible to conceal the downstream end ofeach of the end fins 41 and 42 in addition to the opening 22 a of theretainer 20 by the cover 70. Accordingly, the ornamentality in thepassenger compartment is further improved.

Second Embodiment

Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment according tothe present invention with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, focusing ondifferent points from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the intervalbetween the extension portion 41 b of the end fin 41 and the second wallportion 28 becomes narrower toward the upstream side from the endportion of the main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41. In other words,the extension portion 41 b of the end fin 41 is inclined at apredetermined angle with respect to the main body portion 41 a in such amanner as to become higher toward the upstream end. Further, theinterval between the extension portion 42 b of the end fin 42 and thesecond wall portion 29 becomes narrower toward the further upstream sidefrom the upstream end of the main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42.In other words, the extension portion 42 b of the end fin 42 is inclinedat a predetermined angle with respect to the main body portion 42 a insuch a manner as to become lower toward the upstream side. Accordingly,the inclination of the extension portion 42 b has an inverse relation tothe inclination of the extension portion 41 b.

Further, a bulge portion 81 bulging toward an upper side correspondingto the outer side of the ventilation passage 23 is formed in thedownstream end of the second wall portion 28. The bulging amount of thebulge portion 81 is smaller than the bulging amount of the bulge portion75 in the first embodiment. Further, a protruding portion 82 protrudingdownward toward the center of the ventilation passage 23 is formed in anupstream side of the bulge portion 81 in the second wall portion 28. Theprotruding portion 82 has a surface approaching the center of theventilation passage 23 toward the downstream end, that is, an inclinedsurface 83 which becomes lower toward the downstream end. Accordingly,the air flowing through the upper portion of the ventilation passage 23is introduced diagonally downward toward the center of the ventilationpassage 23, by the inclined surface 83 of the protruding portion 82 inthe process of passing through the protruding portion 82. The space 34is formed in the downstream side of the protruding portion 82, near thesecond wall portion 28 in the ventilation passage 23. In other words, aninternal space of the bulge portion 81 corresponds to the space 34.

A bulge portion 84 bulging toward the lower side corresponding to theouter side of the ventilation passage 23 is formed in the downstream endof the second wall portion 29. The bulging amount of the bulge portion84 is smaller than the bulging amount of the bulge portion 76 in thefirst embodiment. Further, a protruding portion 85 protruding upwardtoward the center of the ventilation passage 23 is formed in an upstreamside of the bulge portion 84 in the second wall portion 29. Theprotruding portion 85 has a surface approaching the center of theventilation passage 23 toward the downstream end, that is, an inclinedsurface 86 which becomes higher toward the downstream end. Accordingly,the air flowing through the lower portion of the ventilation passage 23is introduced diagonally upward toward the center of the ventilationpassage 23, by the inclined surface 86 of the protruding portion 85 inthe process of passing through the protruding portion 85. The space 35is formed in the downstream side of the protruding portion 85, near thesecond wall portion 29 in the ventilation passage 23. In other words, aninternal space of the bulge portion 84 corresponds to the space 35.

In the second embodiment, each of the second wall portions 28 and 29 areprotruded toward the center of the ventilation passage 23. Accordingly,the shape of each of the upstream side fins 51 is changed to such ashape as to be prevented from interfering with each of the protrudingportions 82 and 85.

A movable operation knob 87 is installed in place of the operation knob44 in the intermediate fin 43 so as to be slidable along the long side Bof the opening 22 a. In the second embodiment, the movable operationknob 87 is provided with a through hole 88 extending along the long sideB of the opening 22 a. The intermediate fin 43 is inserted to thethrough hole 88. A bifurcated portion 89 which has sections separatedfrom each other along the long side B of the opening 22 a is formed inan end portion in an upstream side of the movable operation knob 87. Theupstream side fin 51 positioned in an intermediate in the arrangingdirection, that is, the vehicle width direction in the upstream side fingroup 50 is coupled by inserting the downstream side portion thereof tothe bifurcated portion 89. Further, the arm 54, the coupling protrusion55 and the coupling rod 56 for coupling each of the upstream side fins51 are provided in the lower side of the upstream side fin 51.

Accordingly, if the movable operation knob 87 is slid along theintermediate fin 43, the specific upstream side fin 51 coupled to thebifurcated portion 89 is tilted along the long side B of the opening 22a around each of the support shafts 52 and 53. This motion istransmitted to all the other upstream side fins 51 via the couplingprotrusion 55, the arm 54 and the coupling rod 56. Accordingly, all theupstream side fins 51 are synchronously tilted. The air flows along thetilted upstream side fin 51 at a time of passing through the upstreamside fin group 50, and is changed its direction so as to be blown fromthe opening 71.

Taking the assembling work of the upstream side fin 51 with respect tothe retainer 20 into consideration, the retainer 20 is divided into aplurality of members. The retainer 20 is divided into a main bodyportion 91 corresponding to a main portion, a portion 92 constructing alower portion in the downstream side of the retainer 20, and a bearingportion 93 supporting the support shaft 53 in the lower side of theupstream side fin 51.

Next, a description will be given of an operation of the airconditioning register 15 in accordance with the second embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a state in which the intermediate fin 43 is arrangedin parallel to the second wall portions 28 and 29. The air flowingthrough the intermediate portion in the height direction in theventilation passage 23 flows along the intermediate fin 43, and is blownoff straight from the opening 71.

The main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the extension portion 41 b hasentered the space 34, and is close to an inner wall surface of theprotruding portion 82. Accordingly, the air flowing through the upperportion of the ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonally downwardby the inclined surface 83 of the protruding portion 82, and isthereafter introduced diagonally downward by the extension portion 41 bwhile hardly flowing into the space 34. Thereafter, the air flows alongthe main body portion 41 a, and is blown off straight from the opening71.

The main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42 is also parallel to theintermediate fin 43. Further, the extension portion 42 b has entered thespace 35, and is close to an inner wall surface of the protrudingportion 85. Accordingly, the air flowing through the lower portion ofthe ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonally upward by theinclined surface 86 of the protruding portion 85, and is thereafterintroduced diagonally upward by the extension portion 42 b while hardlyflowing into the space 35. Thereafter, the air flows along the main bodyportion 42 a, and is blown off straight from the opening 71.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the intermediate fin 43 is rotated in acounterclockwise direction around the support shaft 45 from the state inFIG. 8. In this state, the intermediate fin 43 is inclined so as tobecome higher toward the downstream end. Accordingly, the air flowingthrough the intermediate portion in the height direction in theventilation passage 23 flows along the intermediate fin 43, and is blownoff diagonally upward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the upper end portion of theextension portion 41 b is positioned in the boundary portion between thespace 34 and the ventilation passage 23, and the space 34 is closed bythe extension portion 41 b. Accordingly, the air flowing through theupper portion of the ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonallydownward toward the center of the ventilation passage 23 by the inclinedsurface 83 of the protruding portion 82. Next, the air is introduceddiagonally downward by the extension portion 41 b while hardly flowinginto the space 34. Further, the air flows along the main body portion 41a, and is blown off diagonally upward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42 is in parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the lower end portion of theextension portion 42 b has gotten deep into the space 35. Accordingly,the air flowing through the lower portion of the ventilation passage 23is introduced diagonally upward by the inclined surface 86 of theprotruding portion 85, flows along the extension portion 42 b and themain body portion 42 a while hardly flowing into the space 35, and isblown off diagonally upward from the opening 71.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the intermediate fin 43 is rotated in aclockwise direction around the support shaft 45 from the state in FIG.8. In this state, the intermediate fin 43 is inclined in such a manneras to become lower toward the downstream end. Accordingly, the airflowing through the intermediate portion in the height direction in theventilation passage 23 flows along the intermediate fin 43, and is blownoff diagonally downward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 41 a of the end fin 41 is parallel to theintermediate fin 43. At this time, the upper end portion of theextension portion 41 b has gotten deep into the space 34. Accordingly,the air flowing through the upper portion of the ventilation passage 23is introduced diagonally downward by the inclined surface 83 of theprotruding portion 82. Thereafter, the air flows along the main bodyportion 41 a while hardly flowing into the space 34, and is blown offdiagonally downward from the opening 71.

The main body portion 42 a of the end fin 42 is also parallel to theintermediate fin 43. Further, the lower end portion of the extensionportion 42 b is positioned in the boundary portion of the space 35 withthe ventilation passage 23, and the space 35 is closed by the extensionportion 42 b. Accordingly, the air flowing through the lower portion ofthe ventilation passage 23 is introduced diagonally upward by theinclined surface 86 of the protruding portion 85, thereafter flows alongthe extension portion 42 b and the main body portion 42 a while hardlyflowing into the space 35, and is blown off diagonally downward from theopening 71.

Accordingly, the same advantages as those of the first embodiment can beobtained by the second embodiment.

The present invention may be embodied as shown below.

In the second embodiment, the respective spaces 34 and 35 may be formedby protruding the downstream ends of the second wall portions 28 and 29further toward the center of the ventilation passage 23 than the otherportions without bulging to the outer side of the ventilation passage23.

The opening 71 of the air conditioning register in accordance with thepresent invention may vertically long. In this case, in the retainer 20,the wall portions opposing each other along the vertical directioncorrespond to the first wall portions 26 and 27, the wall portionsopposing each other along the vehicle width direction correspond to thesecond wall portions 28 and 29, and each of the end fins 41 and 42 andthe intermediate fin 43 are arranged along the vehicle width direction.

In the opening 71 of the cover 70 corresponding to the air outlet of theair conditioning register 15, at least one of the height H and the widthW may be set to a value different from the first embodiment (H: 30 mm,W: 120 mm).

The present invention may be applied to an air conditioning registerprovided with a plurality of intermediate fins 43 between the end fins41 and 42.

The damper 60 and the upstream side fin 51 which are not directlyrelated to the feature portion of the present invention may be omitted,or the shape and the number of them may be changed.

1. An air conditioning register for regulating a direction of an air blown from an air conditioner into a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: a tubular retainer; a ventilation passage provided within the retainer, the ventilation passage circulating the air; and a rectangular opening provided in a downstream end of the retainer for blowing off the air, wherein the retainer is constituted by four wall portions surrounding the ventilation passage, wherein two of the wall portions that correspond to short sides of the opening form first wall portions, and the other two wall portions that correspond to long sides of the opening form second wall portions, wherein at least three plate-like fins are provided within the retainer and extend along the long sides of the opening, wherein the fins are arranged along the short sides of the opening and away from each other, wherein the fins are provided with a plurality of support shafts , respectively, each support shaft supporting the corresponding fin so that the fins are tiltable about the corresponding support shafts, wherein the fins include two end fins, which are adjacent to the second wall portions, respectively, wherein each of the end fins has rigidly attached an extension portion, which is bent at an upstream end of the end fin and extends toward the corresponding second wall portion, wherein a space is provided near each second wall portion in the ventilation passage, the space being closed by the corresponding extension portion when the corresponding end fin is arranged at a maximum inclined position at which the upstream end of the corresponding end fin is most separated from the second wall portion, and wherein the extension portion enters the space when the end fin is arranged at a position different from the maximum inclined position, wherein a downstream end of the corresponding second wall portion protrudes toward a center of the ventilation passage to form each of the spaces, wherein an upstream side fin is provided in the retainer at a position upstream of the downstream side fins, and wherein the upstream side fin is located upstream of the protruded portion of the second wall portion and extends in a direction differing from the direction in which the downstream side fins extend.
 2. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, wherein the fins include one intermediate fin arranged in an intermediate position between the end fins.
 3. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, wherein the second wall portions are not moved by the movement of each of the end fins.
 4. The air conditioning register according to claim 1, wherein each support shaft is provided in a downstream end in the corresponding fin.
 5. The air conditioning register according to claim 4, further comprising a cover having an opening which is smaller than the opening of the retainer, wherein the cover is installed to the retainer from a downstream side thereof. 